Isaiah 40:13
What does Isaiah 40:13 mean?
A plain-English look at Isaiah 40:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Isaiah 40:13 means
The rhetorical questions continue, now focusing on God's infinite wisdom and independence. "Who hath directed the Spirit of Jehovah, or being his counsellor hath taught him?" This challenges the very notion that anyone could instruct or advise the Creator of the universe. It emphasizes that God's plans and decrees originate solely within His divine, unassisted wisdom, underscoring His self-sufficiency and supreme intellect.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Who hath directed the Spirit of Jehovah, or being his counsellor hath taught him?
KJV
King James Version · 1611Who hath directed the Spirit of the Lord, or being his counsellor hath taught him?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Who hath directed the Spirit of Jehovah, or being his counsellor hath taught him?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949By whom has the spirit of the Lord been guided, or who has been his teacher?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Who hath meted out the Spirit of Jehovah, And, <FI>being<Fi> His counsellor, doth teach Him!
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Who hath forwarded the spirit of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor, and hath taught him?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Who hath directed the Spirit of Jehovah, and, [as] his counsellor, hath taught him?
Context
Building on the previous verse's questions about God's power in creation, this verse pivots to emphasize His absolute wisdom. It moves from physical might to intellectual sovereignty, reinforcing God's independence from all external influence or instruction. This question about God's unparalleled understanding sets up further inquiries into who could possibly teach or guide such a being.
v.12Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance?
v.13This passage
v.14With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of justice, and taught him knowledge, and showed to him the way of understanding?
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 1:13
who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
- Ephesians 1:11
in whom also we were made a heritage, having been foreordained according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his will;
- Luke 10:22
All things have been delivered unto me of my Father: and no one knoweth who the Son is, save the Father; and who the Father is, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son willeth to reveal him.
- Romans 11:34
For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?
- 1 Corinthians 2:16
For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he should instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
- Job 36:22
Behold, God doeth loftily in his power: Who is a teacher like unto him?
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Isaiah 40
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Isaiah 40.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Burnout
Scripture offers solace and guidance for those experiencing burnout, encouraging rest, renewed hope, and reliance on God.
Topic
Bible Verses About Creation
Explore the biblical understanding of creation, God's awesome power, and His eternal purposes revealed in the world around us
Topic
Bible Verses About Gentleness
The Bible consistently calls believers to lives of gentleness, showing kindness and humility in all interactions.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Stuck in Life
When nothing's moving and you don't know why — verses for the in-between.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Postpartum Depression
Tender scripture for the season no one warns you about.
Verses for
Bible Verses for a Panic Attack at Night
Steady, slow verses to pray when your chest is tight and the house is dark.